VIDEO: Community leaders stress unity

Elected leaders in Hardeeville and Jasper County want to create a more unified community.

As Mayor Bronco Bostick hosted his community meeting Tuesday, area representatives talked about their willingness to work together.

“We’re going to have to unify ourselves,” Bostick said. “I’ve been on the City Council now for 20 years, and I’m not just doing it for fun, because there isn’t any. We don’t get along all the time, but we’re still friends.”

Speakers included Jasper County Councilman Henry Etheridge, Ridgeland Mayor Joey Malphrus, Jasper County Sheriff Gregory Jenkins and others. Solicitor Duffie Stone told attendees there are three things necessary to have a successful community.

“Home ownership, businesses — small, successful businesses particularly — and education are the triple crown to having a vibrant community. The one single challenge of having all three is crime. If you don’t feel safe in your home, your business or in the schools then the community won’t be successful,” Stone said.

Through the career criminal program set by community leaders two years ago, the 14th Solicitor’s Office has prosecuted about 100 repeat offenders. When a criminal is prosecuted in Jasper County, that person is then moved to the state prison, relieving the taxpayers of $250,000 in 2012, he said.

“It’s a great sign, it shows the dedication of keeping that triple crown going,” Stone said.

Jenkins along with Hardeeville Police Chief Richard Nagy encouraged residents and businesses owners to do their part to not put themselves in harm’s way. Through collaborative meetings and information sharing, the departments are communicating about crimes not only in the county but surrounding areas.

Besides neighborhood watch meetings, the Hardeeville Police Department would like to add a citizen academy to inform the people of an officer’s duties.

Other representatives gave updates and defended the hard work contributed to making Hardeeville a better community.

With Jasper County School District receiving feedback from the public at a recent legislative delegation meeting, Superintendent Vashti Washington wants the community to make their own assessment of the school system by visiting the campuses.

“You can’t believe everything you hear… Some would like to only focus on one section of the state report card,” Washington said. “Like me or not, it doesn’t matter. A superintendent’s job is not a popular one, but I do want you to remember one thing about me and that is the children are most important to me. Let’s point at our strengths and celebrate the children of Jasper County.”

While there was no public comment portion to the meeting, Washington encouraged the community to contact her team leaders — Arthur Holmes, Gary West, Darryl Owens and Shellie Murdaugh — if there were questions.

City Manager Bob Nanni along with Southern Carolina Alliance President Danny Black gave updates about economic development in Hardeeville and the Commerce Park on Interstate 95, Exit 5. The park is in phase three as the city seeks funds to begin infrastructure.

Thankful for the efforts put into grants the city has received, Bostick awarded former Rep. Curtis Brantley and Congressman Joe Wilson with plaques.

“Let’s get Jasper County off the card of shame and onto the card of fame,” Brantley said.